Lunch
If you arrive in the Chinatown area for a spot of lunch, you’ll be so spoilt for choice. So here are our top lunch locations to try:
CHINESE | CHINESE NOODLE HOUSE | 8 QUAY STREET | $
For a quick and tasty feed, this busy Chinese restaurant is a bustling hive of flavour. Their noodles are all handmade, so we recommended giving them a try along with a plate of dumplings with your favourite filling.
MALAYSIAN | MAMAK | 15 GOULBURN STREET | $
Named after roadside stalls in Malaysia, Mamak started as a market stall and soon became known for its fresh roti, teh tarik and satay skewers. As one of Chinatown’s most popular restaurants, Mamak has a constant flow of customers no matter what time you visit. Expect to stand in a queue, but know your efforts will pay off at this award-winning restaurant.
Shopping
When you’re fuelled up and ready for some exploring you’ll find hundreds of clothing, jewellery, flower and food stalls at Paddy’s Market. Wander through the aisles and grab yourself a bargain.
There are so many noteworthy shops in Chinatown, two standout examples for fans of Asian pop culture are:
KAWAII STORE | MORNING GLORY | 68-70 DIXON STREET
A wonderland of Hello Kitty, Doraemon, Totoro and a whole bunch of other recognisable characters – a great stop for some last minute gifts.
ONLINE ASIAN ENTERTAINMENT | MEDIA ASIA | 50 DIXON STREET
From anime to Asian music, manga to movies, Media Asia stocks the latest and greatest.
Dinner
After a day shopping and exploring you’re bound to have worked up an appetite, here’s two dinner recommendations that will really hit the spot:
BBQ | BBQ KING | 76-78 LIVERPOOL STREET | $$
If you’re up for a whole crispy skin duck then BBQ King is the place to be. It gets very busy, so booking in advance is recommended.
SEAFOOD | GOLDEN CENTURY | 393-399 SUSSEX STREET | $$$
Upon seeing the menu you know you’re in for something special. From birds nest soup to abalone sashimi, Golden Century is a seafood lover’s delight.
Drinks and Desserts
Try to leave some room after dinner to sample Emperor’s famous cream puffs, perhaps on your way to one of our recommended cocktail bars.
SOMETHING SWEET | EMPEROR’S GARDEN CAKE AND BAKERY | 75 DIXON STREET | $
If you’re itching for something quick, cheap and oozing with sweet custard, the cream puffs at Emperor’s are not to be missed. Just make sure you’re not in a hurry as these little beauties draw a crowd.
LANEWAY COCKTAIL BAR | THE BEAR | 730 GEORGE STREET | $$
Imagine a cosy night escaping the chill with friends sipping delicious cocktails, you’re in The Bear. We recommend trying the Ginger Bear Cocktail to really warm those toes and your belly!
Evening Entertainment
Entertainment is the last stop on our Chinatown tour. If you’re visiting on a Friday, the night market on Dixon Street is a must-do as the whole area is stuffed with stalls to explore. If you’re not around on Friday, here are our two top attractions in Chinatown.
HERITAGE THEATRE | CAPITOL THEATRE | 13 CAMPBELL STREET
Hosting world class musicals, ballet, theatre and concerts, check what’s on and get ready for a truly special evening.
KARAOKE | DYNASTY KARAOKE | LEVEL 1, 63 DIXON STREET
There are so many Karaoke Bars to choose from in Chinatown, each with their own quirks, but Dynasty makes the list because it’s gaudy, shiny, over the top and good value. Sing the night away, and if you begin to get peckish their beef noodles are worth a try.
Stay within easy reach of all these top Chinatown spots with Accor Hotel’s range of accommodation in Sydney.
